My 07 E350 cargo van has some rough/worn front seats in it. I've found a new takeout passenger seat but the drivers seats are scarce, and pricey. My question runs like this: First, I know the seat mounting platform or seat base is different on driver/passenger mounting layout. What I'm considering is buying a passenger seat assembly and discarding the seat platform and installing the new seat on my existing driver platform. Does the back attach to the bottom cushion or is it attached to the seat frame ? I can't find any pics to verify how the back cushion is mounted. The arm rest would be on the wrong side ( next to door ) but that's not a big deal.
Or, I could fabricate a new mounting plate and weld it to the passenger seat and just bolt it in.
Anyone tackle this issue ?

 

Passenger and driver side seats share the bolt mounting pattern so its easy to swap them side-by-side. Arm rests can be removed so if those aren't needed this isn't an issue.

Just the seat bottoms can be swapped too if the back is still in acceptable condition. If the back and bottom are worn/torn enough to warrant replacement complete change might be the way to go.

There are just four bolts holding the bottom as an assembly to the seat's larger frame or superstructure which is bolted to the seat bases. IOW they're easily removable if desired.

I had this same situation with an '00 E250--left was worn through, right almost new, they swapped out perfectly. Along with a set of Cover King heavy duty covers those seats are back to being fully serviceable.

Ford sells replacement covers and foam that can be DIY projects without a huge learning curve. These tend to run about $120 each, have to be ordered in since its not an everyday request. Keep in mind the seat under structure has been made considerably cheaper and are subject to failing. I had this happen on an '03, finding someone patient enough to re-weld the lower stamped metal frame was tough enough---had I not found someone another seat would have been in order.